Summary of this article
60.4 per cent of seniors find healthcare and medicines unaffordable.
Over half of the respondents report financial insufficiency for personal needs.
90.7 per cent want legal obligations to protect elderly rights.
A study on elderly rights shows that millions of older Indians are experiencing chronic financial distress, unaffordable healthcare, and systematic social exclusion. A study titled ‘Human Rights, Dignity and Well-Being of Older Persons’, conducted by the Agewell Foundation, released today (October 1, 2026), reveals health unaffordability as the foremost challenge elderly are facing across the country.
The study was conducted across 25 States and Union Territories in September 2026, and surveyed 25,000 individuals aged 60 and above. It highlights the need for an immediate shift from traditional welfare to an enforceable, rights-based framework.
Healthcare Crisis
With India’s older population projected to rise from 149 million in 2022 to 347 million by mid-century, the public system is expected to face pressure. Among various issues, healthcare stands out as the most critical concern. According to the survey, 60.4 per cent of respondents find healthcare and medicines unaffordable. The number is even higher (69 per cent) among those who require regular medical care. Over 75 per cent (75.4 per cent) feel that better healthcare is a primary change they need for a dignified old age.
Following the healthcare concerns, come the financial constraints. Over half of the respondents (56.2 per cent) said that they experience financial insufficiency at least sometimes. Around 16 per cent (16.1 per cent) among these reported that they never have enough money for personal needs.
According to the report, the government safety net fails to bridge the gap effectively, as 59.4 per cent of respondents describe that receiving government benefits is difficult or very difficult, whereas 25.7 per cent aren’t even aware whether they are eligible to get the benefit.
Abuse And Loss Of Autonomy
The report highlights poor living conditions and domestic abuse. One-third of the respondents (33 per cent) reported facing mistreatment or abuse in the past one year. The victims have faced verbal and emotional abuse (95.1 per cent), neglect (92 per cent), and financial exploitation (50.3 per cent).
Further, 59.6 per cent of seniors frequently or sometimes experience insulting behaviour due to their age. 59.2 per cent of the respondents reported having limited or no decision-making power over their own lives, and 61.7 per cent suffer from a partial or complete lack of privacy.
It identifies older persons with disabilities (65 per cent) and older women (61.7 per cent) as the most vulnerable groups.
Demand For Accountability
Lack of social connection is another prevalent problem. Around 66 per cent (65.9 per cent) of older persons suffer from social isolation or loneliness. 80 per cent of the respondents shared a strong desire to contribute their skills, experience, and time to society through volunteering, flexible work, or community service.
Yet, the gap remains between what the elderly public wants and governance. Although 74.7 per cent demand a direct role in shaping policies related to senior citizens’ rights, 94.3 per cent of the respondents reported that they have not been consulted by any government authority or a local organisation.
To address this gap, 90.7 per cent of the respondents support forming clear legal obligations on governments to protect the safety, dignity, and social security of older citizens.
